Electromagnetic multiple actuator

Abstract

The multiple actuator for an electromechanically actuated valve has a housing and a plurality of armature shafts extending through the housing. Each of the armature shafts carry an armature, and two electromagnets which both lie inside the housing. Two springs act on each armature, forcing it into a position of repose between the electromagnets. This configuration makes optimum use of the available basic area above a valve which is to be driven. The armature has a maximum surface area, and optimum dissipation of heat through thermal conduction is possible via the corresponding housing underside.

We claim:  
     
       1. An electromagnetic multiple actuator for at least two gas exchange valves of an internal combustion machine with a cylinder head, comprising: 
       a housing separate from the cylinder head;  
       at least two armature shafts extending through said housing and each having an armature and an armature spring cup attached thereto;  
       two electromagnets for each said armature, each electromagnet having a coil core and a winding with the respective said armature disposed between;  
       first and second springs respectively acting on each armature in opposite directions and forcing said armature into a position of repose between said electromagnets, and wherein each said first spring is clamped between a part of said housing and said armature spring cup attached to said armature shaft.  
     
     
       2. The multiple actuator according to  claim 1 , which further comprises guide elements formed on inner sides of said housing, for guiding said armatures along an axis of said armature shafts. 
     
     
       3. The multiple actuator according to  claim 1 , wherein said housing has a top side and a cooled housing underside in contact with a cooled part, and said housing is formed, on at least one side wall thereof, to assure good heat dissipation from said top side to said cooled housing underside. 
     
     
       4. The multiple actuator according to  claim 1 , wherein said housing has a housing top side and a housing underside, and each armature shaft is guided in bushes inserted into said housing top side and said housing underside. 
     
     
       5. The multiple actuator according to  claim 1 , wherein said housing is formed in two parts connected by bolts running through at least one side wall of said housing. 
     
     
       6. The multiple actuator according to  claim 5 , wherein said housing parts are produced by breaking apart a single-part housing, ensuring that said housing parts fit together. 
     
     
       7. The multiple actuator according to  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of electromagnets have a common coil core. 
     
     
       8. In combination with a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, the multiple actuator according to  claim 1  for actuating gas exchange valves of the internal combustion engine, wherein said second springs are each clamped between a valve spring cup attached to a valve shaft of the driven gas exchange valve, and the cylinder head wherein the gas exchange valves are guided.